Musa accepts referee's apology, switches focus to AFCON

Ahmed Musa of Nigeria challenged by Ahmed Al Magashi of Libya during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier football match between Nigeria and Libya at Akwa Ibom International Stadium, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria on 13 October 2018 @Kabiru Abubakar/BackpagePix

by Staff Reporter

Tuesday Nov 20, 2018. 18:00

Ahmed Musa has announced that he has accepted the apology issued by referee Bakery Gassama on behalf of his assistants following Nigeria's 1-1 draw away to South Africa on Saturday.

The Nigeria skipper was denied what looked to be a sure goal on two instances at FNB Stadium with the linesman's flag raised for offside on both occasions, despite the attacker having come from an onside position on his way to goal.

It mattered little, though, in the end with the draw enough to book the Super Eagles spot at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

“I will say that it was good that he realized his mistakes and apologized for his action and it is past tense for me,” Musa told the media in aftermath of the clash.

“The major thing is that we have qualified for Afcon for the first time since 2013 and we are delighted about that.

"I don’t see any big deal about that because our emphasis was on playing at the Africa Cup of Nations and now that we have qualified, we are relieved.

“I am not worried that I was not able to score because we didn’t lose and we have got our heart desires with the ticket to Cameroon. We know that it is time now for serious preparations and that is what we are after now.”

Nigeria face Uganda in an international friendly match this evening as they kick start their preparations for next year's showpiece.